A Spiritually Enlightening Online Magazine. September's Theme: "Inter-be"
Volume 8 Issue 6 ISSN# 1708-3265

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Illuminations Aleesha Stephenson About the Cover Jérôme Prieur Tapestry of Oneness Dj Brown-Jewett Inter Actions Parzival Sattva Just What We're Bred To Do! David Reber All Phenomena Are Interdependent, Endlessly Interwoven Cheryl Jewett-Brown Ph.D. this change of name Alegria Albano-Imperial Cherry Picking David Suzuki, PhD Lifetalks Dawn Baumann Brunke Walk Your Talk Aleesha Stephenson Po and the Stones Phil Kotofskie Wiccan Voices Crystal Blanton, HPs Let's Talk Tarot Marcia McCord Meditate a Moment Parzival Sattva Cards & Curios Tarot Deck Reviews: with Dan Pelletier

Wiccan Voices with Crystal Blanton An understanding of the interconnection of the self, with all things that come together in the creation of self, is essential in any form of spiritual enlightenment and is part of the basis for understanding a world beyond this physical place. Spirituality often fills the void in a person's life by creating a storyline which helps to create an outline that makes sense, gives meaning, purpose and direction. Without a spiritual understanding for what we go through and what it means, life can often feel cruel and meaningless. Spirituality helps to take the pieces of our world and create a basis of understanding when there is otherwise none. Each experience, moment and connection we have made within life creates the person we are and who we will grow to become. Without those experiences we would have a different outlook and have a different basis for thinking about the world. This is the understanding of what the Buddhist call interbeing. It is the sum of all our parts which create the whole being. It is hard to look at a building without thinking of all the trees used for wood, the nails, labour, tools, wiring and cement all coming together to create the final product. There is no building without the sum of its parts, much like with a spiritual being. Within Pagan spirituality as a whole, there are many understandings to the interconnection between one another and how our actions effect the energy of the universe. Not often do we discuss this on the level of our individual selves and being the sum of all parts. This is very important in the development of the self and coming to the conclusion; all things are a part of our lives because they are meant to move something within us to create the creation of who we are individually and collectively. Simply stating something is the "will of the Gods" is not enough to explain the overall importance it could and will play in the progression of a person's life. If I am the creation of all my experiences and my spiritual community is interdependent on each person, then our story has meaning and it is powerful beyond previous understanding. Every moment is just as important as the previous one for it is the nails and the glue of the building I call home. Take a moment and reflect on the many different experiences which have made you who you are. Think on those things that have provided spiritual meaning and purpose. What are the nails and the glue holding together your spiritual house? While I know I am fashioned by a collection of painful and happy moments, I can see how those moments became the very walls of my home - protecting me, containing me and giving me room to plant and grow. While these walls define me and provide a sense of containment, they also can be the self-imposed restrictions which limit me from learning the lessons I need to learn. Embrace all the moments, for they are you and without them you would not be who you have grown to become. You can grow beyond your wildest imagination of who you are. Crystal Blanton is a trained and experienced Registered Addictions Specialist in the field of drug and alcohol counseling, which enhances her understanding of spiritual balance and how behaviour and perceptions affect our everyday lives. Blanton is a High Priestess and ordained minister with Family Wiccan Traditions International (FWTI) and Dance of the Spirit Moon Tradition, is on the Executive Board of Directors for FWTI, Elder with Covenant of the Goddess and is a student mentor. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and children and tries to read as much as possible. You can contact Crystal Blanton via email or visit her website at www.crystalblanton.com or www.touchofamethyst.com.

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